That said you can greatly alleviate that with good screening, and the higher price point that these types of units can demand should help filter out the deadbeats.

MTRs often have lower management demands compared to platforms like Airbnb while still generating higher returns than long-term rentals.

Pensacola has a lot of potential, and I’ve seen investors do really well in the area with both long-term and short-term rentals.Since you’re just getting started, here are a few tips that might help:Know Your Market: Pensacola’s mix of military families, college students, and tourists means there’s a steady demand for rentals.

Rents are high and demand is high. 

Typically, co-op's are less valuable than condos for a number of reasons such as supply/demand, lack of investor interest, older units, estate planning issues, financing and board policies. 

Do I only draft a cash-for-keys agreement after they've accepted the notion of it or just drop-off the proposal/demand?

You are working a demanding corporate job but also want to build rentals on the side.

For the first time in years I’ve noticed many of the larger apartment complexes even offering the first month free to fill vacant units, so it’s clear that demand is down.

If rental demand is high, this could push you toward renting.

These are prime locations, think near downtown or popular tourist destinations where demand for short-term rentals is typically high.